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Effect of Extension Services on Farmers’ Adoption of Nursery Soil Sterilization Practices

Abstract

The study examines the effect of extension services on farmers’ adoption of nursery soil sterilization practices. Nursery soil sterilization is an important practice in crop production because it helps reduce harmful soil-borne organisms, weed seeds, and other unwanted materials that may affect seed germination and seedling development. Properly treated nursery soil can provide a more suitable environment for healthy seedling establishment and reduce early-stage crop losses. Extension services can provide farmers with relevant information and practical guidance on appropriate soil sterilization methods and their application. The study will assess farmers’ access to extension services on nursery soil sterilization and examine the extent to which farmers adopt recommended sterilization practices. It will also identify the major soil sterilization methods known and used by farmers and determine the types of extension information provided on soil treatment. The study will consider practices such as appropriate soil preparation, heat treatment, solarization, safe use of approved soil treatment materials, proper treatment procedures, and adequate preparation of treated soil before planting. A descriptive survey design will be adopted for the study. The population will comprise crop farmers involved in nursery production in the selected study area, from whom respondents will be selected using an appropriate sampling procedure. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire administered to the sampled farmers. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation will be used to analyze the data, while an appropriate inferential statistical technique will be employed to determine the effect of extension services on farmers’ adoption of nursery soil sterilization practices. The study is expected to reveal the level of farmers’ access to extension services on nursery soil sterilization and the extent of their adoption of recommended practices. It is also expected to identify the commonly used soil sterilization methods and the major challenges farmers encounter when treating nursery soil. The findings may further indicate areas where additional extension education, demonstrations, and technical guidance are required to improve farmers’ understanding and application of appropriate soil sterilization practices. The study will be useful to agricultural extension officers, crop development agencies, nursery operators, policymakers, and farmers’ organizations by providing information on the role of extension services in promoting effective nursery soil sterilization. The findings may assist extension personnel in designing practical training programmes that emphasize safe, suitable, and effective soil treatment methods. Improved adoption of appropriate practices may contribute to healthier nursery environments, better seedling establishment, and reduced losses during early crop growth. The study will conclude by assessing the contribution of extension services to farmers’ adoption of appropriate nursery soil sterilization practices. Based on the findings, the study will recommend regular extension visits, practical field demonstrations, farmer training programmes, and improved access to reliable technical information on nursery soil treatment. These measures may enhance farmers’ capacity to manage nursery soil effectively and support healthy and sustainable crop production.

Keywords: Extension services, nursery soil sterilization, farmers’ adoption, soil treatment, nursery management, soil-borne organisms, seedling establishment, soil solarization, nursery production, crop production, agricultural extension, soil management, seedling health, farmer training, Nigeria.